Obituary

Arvin Arthur Polenske
January 5, 1934 – December 21, 2023

Arvin “Ski” Arthur Polenske was born on January 5, 1934 in Newton Township, WI.  He was the first born child of Arthur and Esther (Klimke) Polenske.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church.  He graduated from Beaver Dam High in 1952.  He enjoyed developing film into photographs and listening to music.  He favorite song was P.S. I Love You.  Arvin was interested in cars so he worked at Falbe Auto Garage for the next 3 years.  He served in the Army in 1955 and was honorably discharged as Sergeant in 1958.  His nickname Ski was given while in the Army.  In 1961 Arvin and Joanne (Vojtik) were married.  They were blessed with 2 children, Sandra and Steven.  He worked at Globe Union and in 1970 he graduated from Marquette University with a bachelors degree in electrical engineering.  The family lived in Milwaukee, WI until moving to Mission Viejo, CA in December 1973.  Arvin was recruited to work on computer controlled lasers at Hughes Aircraft.  He retired after 18 years.  His hobbies included many projects around the house and yard, home repairs and updates, woodworking, motocross with his son, auto repairs, video and photo editing, genealogy and building/repairing computers which he did for many friends and neighbors.  He also had a love for dogs, especially standard poodles.  He enjoyed a can of sardines at 3:00 every day and then sat in the garage late afternoon/evenings so he could watch football, visit with neighborhood friends and snack on chocolate bars.  Arvin lived in the same home for 50 years.  He was very proud of being a grandpa and great grandpa.  He was fortunate to live a mostly healthy life until health problems started 20 months ago.  He died on December 21, 2023 in Lake Forest, CA, just 2 weeks and 1 day shy of his 90^th birthday.

Arvin is survived by his daughter Sandy (Gerard) Luckett, son Steve; grandsons Brennen (Jenni) Polenske, Mitch (Kelene) Polenske, Griffin Luckett and Jarrett Polenske; great grandsons Carter Polenske, Owen Polenske, great granddaughter Ellison Polenske and another great granddaughter in March 2024; sisters Ardis Boettcher of Hustisford, WI and Arlene Klimke of Appleton, WI; as well as additional family and many special neighborhood friends.  He was predeceased by his wife Joanne, parents Arthur and Esther Polenske, and his brother Arden Polenske.

Memorial and burial at El Toro Cemetery, Lake Forest, CA.